Preparation for Lasik Eye Surgery

Lasik vision correction surgery is the process in which a patients vision is corrected or improved using laser surgery. This procedure is performed on thousands of people and usually has a good outcome. Those who experience low to moderate vision problems and have little or no pre-existing health concerns are usually good candidates for this procedure. When considering Lasik eye surgery, it is always a good idea to think about surgery preparations. There are five major no-nos in preparation of Lasik eye surgery.

Just as with any surgery, patients should expect to adequately prepare for surgery. While some surgeries require no eating or drinking before the procedure, Lasik also has preparations that patients should be aware of before going into surgery. Proper preparations for the procedure will ensure the best possible outcome after the procedure is performed. When it comes to the eye, no one wants to take chances.

Post-operative care instructions: First, when preparing for Lasik surgery, patients should never ignore post-operative care instructions. Before going into surgery, it is crucial to obtain your appointments for post-operative care, either with the surgeon who performs the procedure or with your own eye care professional. Usually, post-operative care appointments are made one week, one month and three months following the Lasik procedure. Making these appointments assures that your eyes are healthy and healing as expected after the Lasik procedure. These appointments are critical for a positive Lasik surgery outcome.

Make arrangements for transportation: When it is time for your Lasik surgery procedure, do not forget to secure transportation home. Patients should have dependable transportation to the surgery center and back home. Lasik surgery patients are not supposed to drive for at least three days after surgery. Also, if you have children, do not forget to find transportation and care for them for after the surgery. Patients are encouraged to not bring children to the surgery center. Make sure you arrange for care for your child for during and after the surgery. Also, depending on the type of work you do, you may be required to miss work for up to four days. Make sure you tell your employer and request those days off of work.

Do not wear make-up or cologne: Some Lasik surgery centers differ on this policy, but as a general rule, Lasik patients are asked to NOT wear any time of make-up, including lipstick and facial creams for three days prior to surgery. There should be no trace of any make up on the day of the procedure. Many Lasik surgeons will cancel surgery if make up or lotions are present on the face. This can cause contaminants to enter the eye during surgery and put your eyes at a greater risk for infection. In addition, you should not wear any cologne or perfume on the day of the surgery. Also, any hair product containing alcohol such as hairspray or mousse is not allowed on the day of the procedure. These types of products have been known to alter the outcome of the Lasik surgery.

Do not expect perfect vision after the procedure: While many patients who receive Lasik are satisfied with the results, it is unrealistic to expect perfect vision. Lasik vision correction surgery can improve vision, but oftentimes, does not make it perfect. Most people experience a 20/40 outcome with Lasik. Lasik surgery will probably reduce the need for glasses or contacts but will probably not completely eliminate the need. Before going into surgery, it is important to understand the potential outcome.

Do not ignore the risks involved with the Lasik procedure: Most people who undergo the Lasik vision surgery have little or no problems with the procedure. However, it is important to understand that there are risks involved with Lasik. It is important to have thorough eye examinations and medical exams before undergoing this treatment. This will often eliminate people who will experience a less-than-favorable outcome. If you experience eye disease or suffer from an autoimmune disease, you should not consider Lasik surgery. Also, remember that sometimes Lasik re-treatments or enhancements are needed for the best possible outcome. This can often be done three months after the original procedure, but may cost extra. Sometimes, even after re-treatment, vision can actually be worse than before the procedure. Some people experience glare or halos around lights in dark conditions. Sometimes these issues disappear a few months after surgery, but sometimes they do not. It is important to understand to all the risks before signing the consent forms.